Face masks an anxiety-provoking obstacle for many with hearing loss, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 03, 2021
Fully 95% of people living with hearing loss in the United States say that masks and face-coverings are creating communication barriers, and more than half say they are experiencing anxiety and isolation...
We’re vaccinated. Now what?
By
Eleanor Feldman Barbera, Ph.D.
Feb 02, 2021
Across the country, long-term care facilities are vaccinating their staff and residents, with approximately 3.1 million doses delivered as of last week and rates of COVID-19 infection in nursing home residents...
Also in the News for Monday, Feb. 1
Feb 01, 2021
HHS adds more healthcare providers to list of who can administer COVID-19 vaccines … OSHA issues additional workplace guidance on COVID-19 … Advocates pressuring state to end nursing home immunity...
OnPointe CEO: Pandemic should be catalyst for payment changes, shedding ‘wrong strategy’
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 29, 2021
Some look at the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and question how they can make their buildings safer. Eric Tanner, CEO of transitional and skilled care specialist OnPointe, sees the crisis as a launching point...
GAO: Nursing homes unlikely to use point-of-care COVID tests in states that question accuracy
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 29, 2021
A disconnect between federal and state or local policies has a direct effect on POC antigen test use in these settings, according to a comprehensive report released Thursday by the U.S. Government Accountability...
Also in the News for Wednesday, Jan. 27
Jan 27, 2021
Study calls for better alcohol consumption policies in nursing homes … Nursing home fully evacuated after construction company creates asbestos exposure … Medicaid expansion could be coming in three...
New report details allergic reactions to early Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccinations
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2021
Among 21 patients who experienced anaphylaxis in the first days of the rollout, 18 had onset within 30 minutes. Common signs of allergic reaction were hives (urticaria); rapid edema, or swelling beneath...
Effective communication key to improving care coordination during transitions
By
Bevey Miner
Jan 21, 2021
While electronic health records systems are ubiquitous in primary, acute and specialty care settings, long-term care facilities are still lagging in adoption. The biggest reason for the disparity in adoption...
Experts urge providers: Start planning now to ensure extra shots of COVID-19 vaccines
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 21, 2021
Early this month, AMFM Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers celebrated the completion of second-round COVID-19 vaccinations at all 19 of its buildings — before many had even offered a first round and nearly...
What 2021 has in store on the legal front
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Jan 20, 2021
Everyone has been celebrating that 2020 is over, and who can blame them? Yet, I can’t help think the legal issues facing long term care in 2020 won’t necessarily go away in 2021. Some of the lingering...